Alliance for Justice Launches AFJ Law, Offering Free Legal Counsel to Nonprofits Facing Mounting Legal and Political Threats

New pro bono program supports organizations with advocacy and 501(c)(3) compliance matters

Washington, D.C., October 15, 2026 — Today Alliance for Justice is proud to announce the launch of AFJ Law, a new program providing direct, pro bono legal services to nonprofit organizations facing growing legal, regulatory, and political threats. The program focuses on advocacy and 501(c)(3) compliance matters.

AFJ Law fills a critical gap for small nonprofits that cannot afford experienced legal counsel but need it most. Through the program, AFJ attorneys with deep experience in social justice movements provide ongoing support on compliance and advocacy so that organizations can navigate legal risk while continuing to speak out. In a climate of heightened scrutiny, AFJ Law gives clients the confidence to reject the false choice between silence and speaking up. The pilot is currently serving 501(c)(3) organizations incorporated or operating in Washington, D.C., with annual budgets under $5 million.

“At a moment when nonprofits are being forced to devote more time and resources to defending their right to speak, organize, advocate, and serve their communities, access to trusted legal counsel cannot be a luxury,” said Rachel Rossi, President of Alliance for Justice. “AFJ Law is built to help organizations protect themselves, so they don’t have to choose between managing legal risk and boldly advancing their missions. When nonprofits understand their rights, they are better equipped to fight for the rights of the people and communities they serve.”

AFJ Law Program Director Deepa Padmanabha leads the program. She joined Alliance for Justice in 2025 after 14 years at Greenpeace USA, where she served as an in-house attorney and helped lead the organization’s defense against major lawsuits aimed at silencing its advocacy.

“Legal attacks can have a chilling effect even when they do not succeed in court,” said Padmanabha. “They can drain resources, consume staff capacity, and make organizations more cautious about speaking out. AFJ Law is designed around a different question: How do we help organizations continue advancing their missions even while facing serious legal threats? Our role is not just to identify risk, but to help organizations navigate it without unnecessarily limiting their advocacy.”

AFJ Law began working with clients through a pilot in March 2026. By October 1, the program had engaged 16 clients across 30 legal matters, including AFJ member organizations, groups referred through professional networks, and organizations referred by existing AFJ Law clients.

“There are moments as a 501(c)(3) leader when you have to make hard decisions and move forward without knowing exactly how things will unfold,” said Clinique Chapman, chief executive officer of DC Justice Lab and AFJ Law’s first client. “Having trusted legal counsel that understands both the law and the realities of advocacy means we don’t have to navigate those moments alone. AFJ gives us the confidence to lead with courage and protect our organization, so we can boldly advocate for a racially just criminal legal system in Washington, D.C. In an increasingly complex legal and political environment, having AFJ Law in our corner is invaluable.”

The program complements Alliance for Justice’s longstanding Bolder Advocacy program, which provides nonprofits and foundations with training, technical assistance, and resources on the laws governing advocacy.

Alliance for Justice will next expand AFJ Law into Texas, drawing on AFJ’s longstanding nonprofit relationships and presence in the state.